Sacramento votes to enact severe water rationing

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By Associated Press

Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA

By Associated Press

Posted Jan. 15, 2014 at 11:04 AM

By Associated Press

Posted Jan. 15, 2014 at 11:04 AM

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — With no end in sight to California's drought, the Sacramento City Council has voted to enact severe water rationing on residents and businesses, while also boosting enforcement efforts against people who flout the rules.

The unanimous vote Tuesday comes as the region is faced with historically low water levels on the American River and a long-range forecast featuring little, if any, rain.

The council approved regulations requiring those who live and work in Sacramento to reduce their water use by between 20 percent and 30 percent.

The city will also dispatch a task force of monitors to patrol city streets and enforce rules that limit outdoor watering.

A $200,000 public outreach campaign will be launched to persuade residents and businesses to cut back on water consumption.